Man charged to court following discovery of illicit drug production laboratory in Ballymena

A 39-year-old man, arrested in Ballymena following the discovery of an illicit drug production laboratory at a property in the town on Wednesday 2nd April, has been charged to court.

The charges come after the man was arrested at a house in the Queen Street area shortly after 8pm on suspicion of obstructing police and being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug.

A subsequent search of the property resulted in the discovery of suspected drugs, including a number of hazardous and volatile items that were being used for producing methamphetamine.

Following his arrest, a police spokesperson commented:

“Police are dedicated to tackling organised crime and the supply of illegal drugs, and we will continue to investigate those who profit from the misery and harm they cause.

“Our enquiries remain ongoing, and we would ask any member of the public who has any information which could be of assistance to police to contact us via 101, quoting reference 1614 of 02/04/025.”

The man is charged with offences including being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug, being concerned in the production of a Class A controlled drug, possession of Class A, Class B and Class C controlled drugs, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances.

He is expected to appear before Coleraine Magistrates Court on Friday, April 4.

As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.